Rolando T Acosta Presiding Justice Appellate Division First Department

January 17, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, writes: To remain hopeful for the future of our fragile system means to remain vigilant and do everything we can as citizens to protect democracy and engender reverence for it in others.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department.

7 minute read

April 28, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, writes: There are no easy answers to our present challenges. But one thing is clear: In times of change—in this storm—we must adhere to the Constitution and the values upon which this nation was founded: unity, justice, peace, common defense, general welfare, and liberty.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

6 minute read

January 14, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, writes: These fraught and fractious times might tempt some to turn their backs on "the system" as corrupt or dysfunctional or broken beyond repair. Just the opposite reaction is required, however.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

8 minute read

April 30, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department writes about the importance of civic education, as the rule of law depends on the public's faith in government and an understanding of how it works.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

9 minute read

January 15, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, writes that we must be committed to seeing the opportunity that lies within every crisis and making the changes that are sorely needed.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

9 minute read

April 30, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, discusses the Equal Rights Amendment, which has yet to be incorporated into the U.S. Constitution. New York was one of the first states to ratify the proposed federal ERA in 1972, but has yet to pass a state ERA. He writes: Given the uncertain future of the ERA as an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, women's rights need to be protected under the New York Constitution.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

7 minute read

January 24, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, addresses concerns about judicial diversity and the Chief Judge's court consolidation proposal, noting the advancements we have made thus far, explaining how the proposal has the potential to positively impact diversity, and urging those who question its impact to make specific proposals that would further increase judicial diversity while streamlining the state's antiquated, labyrinthian court structure.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

11 minute read

April 30, 2019 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, reminds us of the foundational principles of New York law with regard to free press, which are of increasing importance in an environment that threatens to erode free-press protections at the federal level.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

11 minute read

January 11, 2019 | New York Law Journal

Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, writes: Consensus and dissent may ebb and flow, but collegiality—cooperation and civility among colleagues—must lie at the heart of each.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

7 minute read

April 30, 2018 | New York Law Journal

As we celebrate Law Day and contemplate the doctrine that forms the very foundation of our government, let us commit to doing our best, as lawyers and judges, to restore our fellow citizens' trust in our core institutions.

By Rolando T. Acosta, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, First Department

6 minute read